Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Rebecca Minkoff

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with shoes and handbags. Nothing makes me salivate more quickly than a gorgeous, amazing handbag and one of my favorites is designer Rebecca Minkoff. Sewing since the age of 8 and designing clothing since the age of 18, this clothing and accessories designer got her start in the handbag arena when her friend, actress Jenna Elfman, asked her to design a handbag for her next movie. That, my friends, is how the 'Morning After’ bag was born and the rest, as they say, is fashion history.

Rebecca designs not only covet-worthy handbags but jewelry (I have three bracelets), clothing (to die for), and accessories (swoon). The designing dynamo can also count herself among Hollywood's favorite designers with well-known fans like Lauren Conrad, Hilary Duff, Bijou Phillips, Jessica Simpson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Debra Messing. I recently had a chance to chat with Rebecca and here's what she had to say:

FSB: What do you think has brought your line such success?
Rebecca Minkoff: I think my line has been so successful because it provides consumers with high-quality contemporary bags at an affordable price point. I work to ensure all of the designs are both fashionable and functional.  I also make a point to listen to consumer feedback that I hear at events and read on blogs and try and incorporate some of their ideas.

FSB: Can you share your inspirations? What’s on your mood board? What inspires you to create?  
Rebecca: I get a lot of inspiration from vintage pieces.  I also love to travel throughout Europe for inspiration.  My fall 2010 collection theme is Paris Je t’aime and has Parisian influences. My mood board is a mix of vintage designs, beautiful photography, and sketches.

FSB: Can you share a little about the spring collection? Who is the Rebecca Minkoff woman this season? What are some of your personal picks from the line this season?
Rebecca: The spring collection is fun and playful. The Rebecca Minkoff woman has a distinct sense of style: she isn't flashy, but makes a statement with her clothing and accessories.  She's fun and confident.  Also, because my bags are great for day-to-night, they appeal to women who are always on the go! Some of my favorite bag collections this spring are the Easy Rider, Tie Dye, and Linear Studs.

FSB: What’s your favorite bag? Which one are you carrying right now?
Rebecca: I'm wearing my 3-Zip MAC in Black, a playful update on my best-selling Morning After Clutch. I love zippers as a decorative accent, and they're also great for organization! The size is perfect for both work and for dinner/drinks afterwards.

Rebecca's fabulous and amazing items are available at Searle, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel and Shopbop.com and over 200 boutiques across the US, France, Japan, Russia and Canada. Seriously, ladies: no wardrobe is complete with a Minkoff so check out her site, learn more, go shopping and get some Minkoff Magic for your wardrobe.

FSB On The Scene: The Finale Party For Project Runway and an Interview with Winner Seth Aaron!

Last night, Bluefly invited me and a select few individuals to attend a Project Runway finale party at the apartment (nay, two-floor mega-palace for us New Yorkers - you could land a plane in there) of the super-fabulous Laura Bennett (previous finalist of Project Runway/designer/now author/amazing mom).

If you're a Project Runway fan, this was a dream come true, as tons of former designers were present and available: Kevin, Jay, Malan, Epperson, Maya (the designer who left the show this season), even crowd favorite Anthony were all present to watch the finale show on a projection television with drinks and snacks. I even got a chance to meet one of my favorites, the fabulous and amazing Kara Janx.

And, I die, Kelly Cutrone and I wound up chatting about her book, life in general and all sorts of other things. Ladies and gentlemen, she could not have been more sweet. I now have a mad girl crush on Kelly. She's beyond fabulous.

But if you watched the show, you know that Seth Aaron Henderson won! People, this is the first time I've picked the winner from the very first show of the season and he was sitting right across from me with his entire family!

I jumped at the chance to interview the designer mere moments after he was announced the winner on national television. Here's what he had to say:

FSB: You won! As a huge fan of the show, I have to know: what was it like to get the end? Describe the gauntlet that is Project Runway.
Seth Aaron: Well, obviously, it was a blessing, number one. I didn't really consider it a huge labor. I mean, that's what I came to do. I'm pretty focused, I know who I am and I'm confident. I thought it was a lot of fun!

FSB: How would you describe your buyer? Who is the woman that wears your clothing?
Seth Aaron: Anyone who wants to f*^kng wants to tear it up. :) I mean, you have to remember that what you see on the show isn't necessarily real life. I design ready-to-wear. I have a line, but when you get on Project Runway, you almost have to just say to Hell with that. This is costume, something rich, something impressive. I mean, the only project I didn't bring it was the Heidi Klum challenge, where I tried to take it back a little and you saw how that worked out. It's about bringing up to a whole new level. I just went completely editorial all the time. When you go to Fashion Week, you don't show a collection. You show a show.

FSB: Nice! So what's next for you?
Seth Aaron:  Manufacturer, Los Angeles...I'm already working on reps for Los Angeles and New York. I've already got one here that's going to put (the line) all over Manhattan. It's now about finding a manufacturer that can do it. After that, Tokyo. I'll continue with the editorial runway show. I really love that. I've also got someone from London Fashion Week contacting me, so I'd like to do that next.

FSB: Awesome! So, one last question: what's it feel like to win Project Runway?
Seth Aaron: What do you think?!?

FSB: I think it would be pretty freakin' awesome!
Seth Aaron: It's pretty freakin' awesome!

Thanks to Bluefly, Laura Bennett, Project Runway and Attention! for such a fabulous evening! Congratulations to Seth Aaron Hamilton!

Beauty Maven Spotlight: An Interview with Karen Robinovitz of Purple Lab NYC

Many of you know that I'm obsessed with the beauty brand Purple Lab NYC. What many of you don't know is that the brains behind the operation, Creatrix Karen Robinovitz, is also a personal friend. Writer, fashionista, beauty maven, social media maverick, television personality: whatever you want to call her, anyone in her presence can feel her creative energy and powerhouse personality. I figured it was time for all of you to know a little bit more about the tiny creative power plant we all know and love, so when Karen agreed to let you in on the woman we all know and love, I jumped at the chance. Here is the fabulous, amazing braintrust behind the Next Big Thing In Beauty in all her glory:

FSB: So, we all know how Purple Lab was created but what were your inspirations for the new products? Do you actually have a mood board? If so, what's on it?
Karen Robinovitz: My mood board is full of chic, glamour and fun. A little Jeff Koons, Marilyn Minter, Anselm Reyle, some Dita and Kate and Cowboy Kate; images that conjure style, succulence, deliciousness and fabulous which really represents the DNA of Purple Lab as a whole. I attached an image of it! 

FSB: Who is the Purple Lab customer?
Karen: Purple Lab has a psychographic, not a demographic. It's any woman who wants effective, science-forward products with a pop of cheeky fun and glam. There is no age - it can be a 14 year-old girl who responds to color and personality or a 65 year-old woman thinking of anti-aging makeup. The kind of girl who likes products that multitask to save time, energy, and money and wants to feel empowered, fun, and fierce.

FSB: You are a self-described fashionista and one of my own personal fashion inspirations. Describe a day in your life and how your cosmetics work with your busy schedule and fabulous wardrobe.
Karen: There is no one typical day because every day is different, as I'm "balancing" (in quotes because I have no real balance) Purple Lab with a day job as a social media consultant. Because I'm always running around, I love having products that are double duty beauty because I can get my skin care and my color at once.

I'm up by 7a.m. and probably online before I even use the loo.

My day typically starts at 8:30a.m. with a breakfast meeting at Pastis. I never leave home without Huge Lips Skinny Hips lip gloss in Worship Kate and Goji Berry Smoothie (a new shade, due end of April) and Luvah lip stain and gloss in Mama's Boy (the most perfect nude).

Horrible dark circles under my eyes are taken care of, thanks to Luxury Squared which has beta glucan, a good anti-inflammatory. It helps me look way more fresh than I feel!

I usually have about 3-5 back-to-back client meetings, peppered in with desk side meetings with magazine editors.

More often than not, I'll have a lunch meeting and if I'm lucky, it's at Fred's at Barneys, which is good because it's always nice to do a quick spin on the 4th floor shoe department. Too bad I have no product to help curb my sartorial cravings!

By the end of the day, I'm back in the home office to go over things on the Purple Lab front, look at new products and components, and blog.

6 or 7p.m., I'm likely off to an event that I'm planning for a client and if not, I'm working on newsletters for Purple Lab, brainstorming new products, or going over business budgets with Todd (my least favorite thing to do).

9p.m., Try to relax... while blogging!  And my makeup lasts all day! No smudging of mascara, thanks to tubing technology! Love that Lashionista Modelista, I have to say!


FSB: The line is now available on HSN. What's it like being on television? Spill!
Karen: It's amazing and scary at once. So much is going on and the pressure is out of control. While I'm doing my thing, I have to be aware of the flow of it all. There is a very short, designated amount of time per product. So I may have three minutes to get out ten minutes worth of information on one product! I have an earpiece in and the producer gives me cues - when to look at a certain camera, when to go to the before/after shots or an animation, when someone is calling in, etc. And there are three screens on view at all times - one shows what viewers see, another shows what's coming up and a third shows the sales. I try not to look at the sales - too scary and distracting. It's live so I cannot mess up. I have to be aware of the models, when I talk to them to show how products look on their skin and when not to do so. There is so much to think about! My heart is racing and I fear I am going to break out in hives every minute. It's a total rush, though. I love it!

FSB: What has been your greatest moment so far in your career? Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Karen: It is, without a doubt, creating Purple Lab and getting it off the ground in a down economy, when all odds were stacked up against me. I never put the dream aside, not when thirty-thousand components came damaged and I had to start over. Not when I was approaching personal bankruptcy. Not when I was trying to raise money after the stock market crash. Getting to HSN was the culmination of it all, everything I have always dreamed of doing and hoped for. To do it with my husband makes it even better.

FSB: What are five fun things that people don’t know about you?
Karen: I'm dying to have a home in the mountains with a teepee in the backyard and a massive tree house. Todd and I plan to name our future kids Rossi Wolf Jacob and Sivan Alaia. I love being in sweats more than anything else. Young, Fabulous & Broke Wide-Leg Zen pants are my favorite and I wear them every day. I have a weakness for Truffle Tremor cheese. OMG! Beyond. I have been known to bring it to the movies with spelt pretzels. Love a movie picnic. I'm an Aries with a Scorpio moon and an Aquarius rising. Makes total sense when you know me.


FSB: Actually, that explains a lot to me, believe it or not. ;) What’s the next move for the Purple Lab empire?
Karen: The focus is on new products and steadily growing the company. All of our energy is on HSN at the moment and we just want that to be the biggest success we can imagine. And I have a HUGE imagination so there are high standards to live up to.

Be on the look out for Pearlesque Show, a silicone-free primer with crushed pearls, honey, and kiwi at the end of the month along with a new shade of Lashionista Modelista called Modern Classic (navy) and four shades of Huge Lips Skinny Hips. I'm also working on two new eye products for July.

Look for Karen and Purple Lab to go back on HSN live next week on April 29th and 30th, where you can learn all about her and Purple Lab's fabulous products! Be there, people!

Designer Spotlight: An Interview with Stacey Bendet of Alice + Olivia

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet. Launched in 2002, the whole thing started with the designer's quest for the perfect pair of pants. As most enterprising creatives do, she decided one day to stop looking for them and make them on her own.  Nicknamed "Staceypants", Bendet could often be found rollerblading through the city in that first pair of bold striped bell bottoms. Shortly afterward, the line launched at Barneys New York and Andrew Rosen, the founder of Theory, came calling. They became partners and the brand was born.

What was originally a quest for the perfect pair of pants is now a lifestyle collection offering everything from party dresses and coats to embellished t-shirts and sweaters, menswear, even children's clothing (coinciding with the birth of the designer's daughter, Eloise). Celebrity fans of the brand include Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker and Dakota Fanning. Shoes will follow next year. In a word, Stacey Bendet is busy.

Which is why when the quirky designer agreed to sit still and answer questions from me, I jumped at the chance. I give you the hilarious, funny, witty and talented Stacey Bendet in all her glory:

FSB: First off, the spring base collection and runway show are just fabulous. What were your inspirations for this collection? What was on the mood board?
Stacey Bendet: Pretty! I wanted everything to be pretty. The colors, the shapes. Pretty and sexy. The base palette was really light, natural and chic, and the bodies were developed in a way to make you feel fashionable while remaining casual. I don’t remember the mood board. It was like seventeen collections ago. Ok, maybe not that many but it was a while ago!

FSB: Who is the Alice + Olivia woman? How do you describe your client?
Stacey: Porn star? Dentist? LES Hipster? I try to think of all different women when I design. Maybe not the dentist.

FSB: Describe a day in your life and which pieces of your collection you wear to each occasion. How do your clothes fit into your own personal life?
Stacey: This morning I woke up at 4:30 and I put on an old Doors t-shirt and our leggings and did my yoga practice (ashtanga). I showered and got dressed, I went with our bell bottom jeans, one of our torn tanks, a pair of green lizard platform shoes that I made in Hong Kong and a light cashmere grey shrug over my shoulders. Eloise woke up at 6:45 and we made smoothies and pancakes together (banana pancakes without eggs because we are vegetarian.)I got to the office around 7:45 am and went through my sketches and spent some time on my spring color stories. Then I had my morning fittings, my morning design meeting and a meeting about our website redesign. I took Eloise to the zoo in the afternoon, the green lizard platforms weren’t the best idea for Tiger Mountain.:) Dinner will be later with my friend Kelly and her boyfriend Austin Powers at a little Asian place we like. I think I will wear something sparkly.

FSB: The photos of the fall collection were positively effervescent. We went backstage to cover the makeup, hair and nails used for your show. What can you tell us about the clothing collection and what’s coming for fall?
Stacey: Glam Rock! Fur, leather, color! The fall clothes make me smile every time I look in the showroom! I am loving our suit looks, the new pant bodies, and the outerwear pieces!

FSB: What has been your greatest moment so far as a designer? Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Stacey: I don’t know! I never really feel accomplished, I just like making pretty things. Pictures, pants…I sort of feel you are only as good as your last collection and it's all so subjective!

FSB: What are five fun things that people don’t know about you?
Stacey: I love margaritas. I got kicked out of the Soho House for rollerblading in a tutu and throwing bang snaps (I think I got thrown out for the bang snaps not the tutu, though.) I can do a handstand and put my feet on my shoulders. I throw crazy fun dinner parties. My sister is my best friend in the whole wide world. Oh, I also like to email in haiku or semi-haiku. I think that's more than five things. :)

FSB: What’s the next move in the Alice + Olivia empire? What can we expect from the line as it moves forward?
Stacey: Shoes. I love shoes. I am obsessed with shoes. And I am going to make some incredibly sexy shoes.

See? As fun and effervescent as her clothes. Now you know why I adore Stacey and the fabulous Alice + Olivia line. You MUST check it out if you haven't already. Adore!

Countdown to New York Fashion Week: Behind The Scenes of the Hautelook Lounge

It's that time of year again and we're all racing to get ready to head to the tents at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and MAC at Milk.  We're all completely thrilled our oasis in the Bryant Park Hotel will return again this year, the Hautelook Lounge.

By invitation only and situated in the swank Penthouse, this is where media, celebs, and other invited guests will take a break, relax, refuel and stay wired during a segment of this fashionable marathon. What to expect this year? Carlota Espinosa, VP of Fashion at invitation-only, online sale giant Hautelook gives FSB readers the scoop:

FSB: We're so excited that Hautelook has decided to create another oasis for all of us during Fashion Week again. Can you give us a little insight into Hautelook's decision to do the suite again?
Carlota Espinosa: We’re thrilled to be back at Fashion Week this year. Last year’s event was a success and many journalists commented on how much they enjoyed the suite. This year we’re focusing on beauty throughout the three days of the suite. Makeup artists from top beauty brands including Luminess Air, Becca Cosmetics and Jemma Kidd Makeup School will provide makeup touchups. GO SMiLE will offer complimentary teeth whitening, and Baby Quasar, Exhale Spa, Elave, Sjal and Freeze 24-7 will offer rejuvenating skin treatments and informative demonstrations throughout the suite’s run. We hope all of our media friends enjoy the lounge and come unwind with us during the first three days of Fashion Week.

FSB: What's the one thing you look forward to during Fashion Week?
CE: I am really looking forward hosting the HauteLook Lounge. I really enjoy meeting and seeing again the people who write and talk about HauteLook.  I also love dressing up for our nightly events at the lounge! I am especially looking forward to checking out Rachel Pally’s Fall Collection and seeing all the incredible designer pieces from our decadestwo trunk show.

FSB: For those with invitations, is there anything we should know to expect (i.e. security check-in, invitation only, etc.)?
CE: The event is invitation only. Once guests have rsvp’d they can come in an out throughout the three days of the suite. It will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have complimentary Wi-Fi and laptop stations for media again this season and snacks throughout the day. We are also offering hourly giveaways to guests including Baby Quasar light therapy devices, Jack Rabbit collection clutches, Alisa Michelle necklaces, Lucky Jade cotton cashmere blankets and D.L.& Co. Lady Rhubarb candles. Let’s hope everyone is feeling lucky!

FSB: What can we expect from Hautelook this spring? Any new and exciting offerings coming soon?
CE: We’ve partnered with more than 800 brands since 2007, so expect to see more sales and more amazing discounts on great brands. If you love shopping on our site for fashion and accessories; check out our selection of products in the beauty, men’s, home and kids categories. More and more, the site is becoming a one-stop shopping destination for all of our members' needs.

Looks to be another amazing season. Thanks to Carlota for the inside scoop and we'll see you at the Hautelook Suite!

FSB In The News: My Interview on The Beauty Of Life

How fun is this? The Beauty of Life interviewed me about my background in beauty and some of my favorite products. For a moment of shameless promotion (and some beauty fun), read Jamie's interview with me here.

And for all you beauty addicts, The Beauty of Life is an amazing blog. I recommend subscribing ASAP.

Jewelry Obsession: Alternatives by Robert Verdi

I'm not gonna lie: I love me some Robert Verdi.

I've written about the amazing Luxe Lab and other projects from the celebrity stylist/lifestyle maven but when a celebrity stylist makes their expertise available for all, it bears reporting. Wish Eva Longoria Parker's personal stylist could make the magic happen in your own wardrobe? Well, now you can have this little experience for yourself: he's launched a jewelry line for QVC, Alternatives by Robert Verdi. I called the celebrity stylist and got the scoop on his new line of jewelry.

FSB: You know, I have to say, I know that you can do a great many things but how did I miss the fact that you make jewelry?
RV: Ha! I actually went to school to study jewelry design, and started my own business designing and manufacturing jewelry right out school. Due to my high level of integrity and incredible standards, the business just didn’t sustain itself and so I packed away my jewelry bench and pursued fashion and interior design.

FSB: But you always knew you'd return to it someday?
RV: I did. I always knew I would return to it. I have great joy when I make jewelry, it's the time commitment and the high quality standards that kept me from pursuing it on a larger scale for such a long time. So, I kept my bench in storage and would play with it every once in a while.

FSB: What was the inspiration for the jewelry line? What made you return to it now?
RV: You know, after pursuing interior design and fashion,it became apparent that those two worlds would converge again. I wanted women to have super-stylish jewelry that’s still conservative enough to wear to work, but could really work beautifully into their wardrobes. The inspirations really came from working with clients, because it always wanted something that I just didn't have. It was always, "I love this necklace but I'd rather it be longer so it could work at multiple lengths or as a bracelet" or "I wish this stone were a bit more versatile so it would easily take my client from day to night." So, I worked with TCJC to design the collection I wanted every woman to have.


FSB: What are some of your favorite pieces in the collection?
RV: I created this 72” Bead Chain Crystal Necklace ($40) as a versatile piece that can be worn a multitude of ways and something that can truly go day to night The Set of 3 Beaded Beauty Hoops ($50)in Carnelian, Sapphire and Onyx hues are personal favorites because I just love a good hoop. They always work and they're appropriate with almost material. You know I love the statement necklace so the Bold Status Link Necklace ($29.50) is a great piece to transform any dress .


FSB: Can we tell the people about the LOGO show that I'm about to be addicted to? You know, the reality show that you've been filming that goes behind the scenes of your fabulous life?
RV: Oh, yes! I've got my own reality show that follows my crazy life and that of my fabulous staff. It's called The Robert Verdi Show Starring Robert Verdi and it's coming to LOGO network early next year. Stay tuned!

Fifteen Minutes With Fame: Nine West's Creative Director, Fred Allard

Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with shoes, and when if you look at the boxes in my closet one brand stands out more than any other: Nine West. A long-time fan of the brand, I had an opportunity to ask the man behind all those amazing shoes some questions for you fabulous FSB readers. Shoe lovers, I give you fifteen minutes with the label's Creative Director, Fred Allard.

What were your major inspirations for the fall collection? Women on the streets in Paris and New York exude style and confidence; they aren't afraid to experiment with fashion and I'm inspired by what they come up with. For the more sculptural pieces, I always turn to modern artwork. I also love the idea of truly ‘American’ fashion, which was the inspiration for our new Vintage America Collection. There is a certain worn-in effortlessness that the collection evokes.


What are some of the key pieces you think every woman should have in her wardrobe for fall? What are some of your favorite pieces from the collection? Every woman needs a great pair of classic pumps and boots to start. Also a chic flat is important– something wearable from day to night. I love the IUNIA thigh-high boot ($139) because it's very fashionable; both a boot and legging in one, which is something unique to the current season. I also love the JURRA Vintage America Suede Wedge Bootie ($99). It's extremely stylish and comfortable.


Who is the Nine West woman? What women inspire you most when you design? The Nine West woman loves fashion and pays attention to the trends and magazines, but looks for more affordable options. She is confident, sexy, creative and stylish.


What shoe, in your opinion, is the “secret weapon” that every woman should have in her closet, the one item that can transform any outfit from day to night? A great platform pump or sandal can complete or transform an outfit. It provides extra comfort because of the platform heel, while elongating the body. It is classic with a sexy twist. (FSB recommends the DEMODE Cutout Suede Pump (shown above, $89) )

What is the biggest mistake women make when purchasing shoes and how can they avoid making it? Women need to try shoes on before they purchase them. Most leather or suedes tend to stretch a bit, so it is important to keep that in mind as well.

So when you rock these ultra-fabulous, thigh-high IUNIA boots, you can say that they were recommended by Nine West's own Creative Director. We don't play around here at FSB: we get our information straight from the top! Thanks, Fred!

Ladies, head to your Nine West retailer or store today to get these and other hot styles. Fall shoe shopping is here!

Behind the Scenes: Interview with Fashion Week and Red Carpet Photographer Frazier Harrison

I've shown a lot of images from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and most of them came from one fabulous, very talented (and quite funny) photographer, the fabulous Frazer Harrison. I cornered Frazier when he had a moment to breathe from standing on the media risers at the end of the runway and asked him all manner of questions, from what makes a good picture to what it's like to work on the red carpet and at the end of the runway at Fashion Week. He's quite charming and it's a fun interview. Please do enjoy!